Josh Hazlewood in doubt for fourth Test against India with fatigue

Australia may be forced into another change for Tuesday's fourth leg of the series against India at the SCG with fast bowler Josh Hazlewood facing a struggle to back up from the Brisbane and Melbourne Tests.

The 23-year-old is battling fatigue after a first Test campaign this summer in which he has announced himself as a likely force for Australia for years to come.

In doubt: Josh Hazlewood may miss the fourth Test against India in Sydney. Photo: Getty Images

And with the team's bowling spearhead Mitchell Johnson already scratched for the fourth Test with hamstring soreness, the door may now be open for both Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle to be recalled in Sydney when the match begins on Tuesday.

Australia initially had a second spinner, Ashton Agar, in their squad in Sydney but he has been released to return to play for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.

NSW paceman Hazlewood has been eagerly awaiting the chance to feature in his first Test for Australia on his home ground after his long-awaited arrival onto the scene in this series.

However, as they were with Johnson, Australian selectors are mindful of risking Hazlewood in Sydney given the role they want him to play in the coming one-day tri-series against England and India, and then the World Cup.

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While Hazlewood has begun to deliver on his promise in his maiden Test series, collecting a five-wicket haul on debut in Brisbane and averaging under 30 over two matches, it has taken its toll, thanks at least in some part to the scheduling changes of this summer.

The challenges of the step up to Test cricket were clear as he battled cramps in steamy conditions at the Gabba - and he was not alone in feeling the heat there.

While it would be a disappointment for the tall seamer if he is ruled out in Sydney, Starc and Siddle will be keen to make the most of their opportunities if they're given the nod as a result.

Dropped after the first Test in Adelaide, Siddle is insistent that he is far from finished as a Test quick, and Starc is desperate to press his claims for a more permanent spot in the Australian line-up after being in and out of it repeatedly since his debut three seasons ago.

While they're facing changes to the bowling line-up there was also a hiccup in the top six after all-rounder Shane Watson left training on Sunday because of a stomach complaint. He was expected to train, however, on Monday afternoon.